Accra to host One Voice Festival this month

Co-produced by Rave, Anvil, Rhythmz Africa and V-Access, the three-day gospel celebration will emphasise faith and community through music. The programme had been initially scheduled for 23 and 24 April but was pushed back to allow for what organisers say will be a more immersive experience spotlighting the vast local talent in the genre.

Some 40 musicians including Ohemaa Mercy, Cindy Thompson, SP Kofi Sarpong and Allen Caiquo have been confirmed for the festival, alongside contemporary interdenominational groups Overflow Inc and Team Eternity. Others include emerging artists Achiaa Music and Kyei Mensah.

Apart from the music showcases, the One Voice Festival will feature a series of panel discussions and presentations by influencers, coaches and experts on key topics. There will also be exhibitions from various faith-based organisations, spoken word drills and a digital lounge complete with props, art and gadgetry to immerse festivalgoers into entertainment technology.

“Our approach to this experience can be referred to as entertainment ministry because we believe Christendom deserves a platform of this magnitude to highlight and expose the culture around the faith,” Rave CEO Ruddy Kwakye said. “We look forward to delivering an event befitting of Christendom.”

Speaking to Music In Africa on the value of a gospel festival to the country's growing festival culture, Rave project manager Senyo Demanya said: “The Christian community as we know it is a growing community. Christianity goes beyond religion. It’s a culture. We saw the need to celebrate this culture. From the music to the word of God to fashion, food and entertainment, we curated what we call the biggest gospel culture festival.”

On the value the programme brings to the event space in Ghana, Demanya said: “This is a niche that doesn’t exist and its existence is a plus to Ghana’s festival market.”

For tickets and more information about the event, visit the official festival website.